There are several health problems which prompt a health check-up in adults. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
Three quarters of the adult population over 60 years old are overweight or obese. The obesity is related to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bowel cancer, breast cancer, gall bladder problems and high blood pressure.
40% of people over 60 years old suffer from metabolic syndrome which increases their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Arthritis
Arthritis affects nearly half of the ageing population and is one of the leading causes of disability. The risk of developing arthritis can be increased by playing football or the use of high heels, for example. Watching your weight is vital for bone health, as in indeed it is for lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Results from the Framingham Osteoarthritis study showed that a loss of 5 kilos could reduce the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50%.
Osteoporosis, Falls And Fractures
This condition affects 44 million adults over 50 years old, mainly women. Osteoporosis is linked to the normal ageing process. In a period of one year, a third of adults over 65 years of age experience a fall: 20-30% suffer injuries that reduce mobility and independence. Falls are also, unfortunately, the main cause of death in the elderly.
Cancer
The risk of developing most types of cancer increases with age.
Cancer in women
As women get older, the risk of cervical cancer decreases and the risk endometrial cancer begins to rise. For this reason, check-ups should not be abandoned after the menopause.
Cancer in men
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Therefore, it is advisable to have a PSA test (blood test) or DRE (rectal examination) starting from the age of 40.
Lung cancer
The mortality rate for this type of cancer is higher than that of breast, prostate and bowel cancer combined.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Nowadays, cardiovascular disease (heart disease) affects a third of women and men between the ages of 45 and 54 years old and this percentage increases in older people. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of heart disease by 80%. In addition, blood pressure monitoring can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
